File photo / Associated PressA tower at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, in Plymouth is seen near the coast of Cape Cod Bay in March 30 (Photo by Steven Senne)

PLYMOUTH – A three-judge panel has rejected a request by the Massachusetts attorney general to suspend the relicensing of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth.

Attorney General Martha M. Coakley asked federal regulators in May to suspend the relicensing process until the implications of the Fukushima Dai-ichi disaster in Japan could be fully assessed. Pilgrim has a similar design to the Japanese plant heavily damaged by an earthquake and tsunami.

A spokeswoman for Coakley told The Patriot Ledger of Quincy that while disappointed with the decision, the office is reviewing its options. Coakley can appeal to the full Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey also says the Japanese situation should be considered when weighing Pilgrim’s relicensing.